UK is famous for highest paying engineering degrees, and it has not gone unnoticed that engineering has continued to be the highest- paying profession and has been in demand for years and years. Whether it be civil engineering or environmental engineering, curiosity is key to learning. And developing the skills and ability to design tests develop utilising the knowledge of maths and science. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the best paid engineering jobs in the UK.
Top 12 Highest Paid Engineering Jobs in the UK
The United Kingdom has always been one of the most preferred countries to pursue higher education, especially in Engineering. One major reason students aspire to go to the UK is the employment opportunities and job market they are exposed to. Let's take a look at the top 12 highest-paid engineering jobs in the UK.
1. Petroleum Engineering
Average salary: £75,000/year
Professions: Petroleum Engineer, Production Engineer, Offshore Drilling Engineer
Top Companies: Chevron, Aramco Services Company, Exxon Mobil
Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College London, University of Manchester, Heriot-WattUniversity
Skills required: working under pressure, problem-solving, analytical
Petroleum engineering is one of the best paid engineering jobs UK, what it basically does is extract hydrocarbon deposits like natural gas and oil from the earth. It is known that around 90% of roles are based onshore. They offer one of the highest-paying engineering jobs in the UK. The engineers play a major role in planning, designing, and constructing boreholes and oil wells, as well as collaborating and cooperating with other professionals. Thai will help reach environmental standards and emission targets.
2. Biomedical Engineering
Average salary: £34,500 /year
Professions: Clinical engineer, Biomedical Engineer, Researcher
Top Companies: Expodent, Luton, Brainlab
Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: University of Oxford, Imperial College London, Nottingham Trent University
Skills required: Math, Problem Solving, Technical
Biomedical engineering is a confluence of biology and medicine. Biomedical engineers usually contribute to creating new strategies and products that can improve and will be useful to human health. The Biomedical Engineering industry in the UK is expanding due to technological advancements, rising healthcare costs, and a growing emphasis on medicine and healthcare innovation.This is another highest paid engineering job in the UK as they get an opportunity to straddle life sciences and understand the prevention and diagnosis of human diseases. You can check out the best biomedical engineering schools here!
3. Electrical Engineering
Average salary: £45,493 /year
Professions: Electrical Engineer, Electrical Design Engineer, Apprentice Engineer
Top Companies: Boskalis, Amey, Morson
Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College of London, University of Leeds, University of Southampton
Skills required: Creativity, Mathematics, Project Management
Electrical engineering is another of the highest-paying engineering jobs in the UK. This job offers several opportunities to professionals who work closely with energy engineers and mechanical engineers where 74% of electrical engineers are employed. Electrical engineers play a vital role in drawing up circuit diagrams, utilising specialised computer software, and even testing installations. This profession is definitely challenging, but it is worth exploring!
4. Civil Engineering
Average salary: £41,467 /year
Professions: Site Engineer, Civil Engineer, Site Civil Engineer
Top Companies: AECOM, Atkins, Jacobs
Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College London, University College London, University of Sheffield
Skills required: Methodical and rational thinking, project management, mathematical
Civil engineers basically look after providing their expertise and constructing large projects like bridges, transport links, and even residential buildings. The UK is known for its major civil engineering projects, including infrastructure developments like Crossrail, Thames Tideway Tunnel, and various road and bridge constructions across the country. Civil engineering is one of the high paying engineering jobs in the UK that not only stresses man-made projects but also throws light on maintaining a naturally built environment and constructing structures like dams, etc, and other creative systems that help in maintaining the existing environment.
5. Mechanical Engineering
Average salary: £42,641/year
Professions: Mechanical Engineer, Equipment Engineer, R&D engineer
Top Companies: WSP, Arup, Arrival
Best Universities in the UK offering this course: University of Cambridge, University of Nottingham, University of Liverpool
Skills required: Technical, commercial awareness, teamwork
Elevators or refrigerators, we use so many machines in our daily lives. Mechanical engineers design several power-producing and power-using machines that make our lives easier. The UK has a strong reputation for research and innovation in mechanical engineering. This is also one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK, giving engineers opportunities to test and design mechanical machines that will be used in several industrial sectors. Here are some of the best schools for mechanical engineering.
6. Aerospace Engineering
Average salary: £54,053/year
Professions: Aircraft Engineer, Aerodynamicist, Aircraft Inspector
Top Companies: Mathworks, BAE systems, Top Aces
Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College London
Skills required: Analytical, communication, computer-aided design skills
Aerospace engineering is another branch of engineering that provides knowledge about several aircraft. Aerospace engineers evaluate designs to ensure that they meet engineering principles. They design, develop, and even test and evaluate missiles and spacecraft. The aerospace engineers also create prototypes and test them to ensure that they function according to their respective designs. This is undoubtedly one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK.
7. Robotics Engineering
Average salary: £40,000 / year
Professions: Field Support Engineer, Maintenance Engineer, Computer Scientists
Top Companies: AES, KUKA, Retrack Personnel Holdings Limited
Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: University of Bristol, Imperial College London, University of Glasgow
Skills required: Design Skills, complex problem-solving skills, knowledge of engineering science
The creation of robots requires a lot of detailing, for instance, the calculations and gearing, which are intricate parts defining the functioning of the robot. Robotic engineers design and develop robotic prototypes and also look for bugs so that they can debug and optimise the robotic systems for better working. Robotics engineering is also another branch of engineering that is amongst the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK.
8. Nuclear Engineering
Average salary: £104,709/year
Professions: Process Engineer, Reactor Operator, Nuclear Technician
Top Companies: Nuclear Ecocareers, AWE Plc, Atkins
Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: University of Manchester, University of Cambridge, University of Bristol
Skills required: Analytical, Computer, Logical
Nuclear engineering is one of the most crucial branches of engineering and is also considered risky, as one mishap in the nuclear plant can lead to huge destruction. Being the most important and popular, no doubt it is not just one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK but the best paid engineering jobs UK as The UK collaborates with other countries on nuclear energy research and development initiatives. Nuclear engineers usually look after designing power stations, their operation, and development, which also includes the equipment used.
9. Data Engineering
Average salary: £58,254/year
Professions: Data Engineer, Data Architect, Database administrator
Top Companies: Thales, Kwalee, Causaly
Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College London, University College London, University of Edinburgh
Skills required: SQL, programming language, data warehouse
Data engineers design and build systems that can collect, manage, and convert raw data into valid information that data scientists and business analysts can use. They usually work to make the received data accessible, which can be used to optimise the organisation's performance. This is also another branch of engineering that is amongst the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK. Data Engineering roles can be found across various industries, including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, telecommunications, and more.
10. Chemical Engineering
Average salary: £28,600 /year
Professions: Metallurgist, Chemical Engineer, process development scientist
Top Companies: Nanomax, INEOS Grangemouth, Phillips 66
Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London
Skills required: Chemical Kinetics, Designs, Project Management
Chemical engineering is amongst the most intriguing branches of engineering, as chemical engineers produce valuable items by using raw materials. It is an amalgamation of experimental sciences, life sciences, and natural sciences. It is subject to strict regulations and safety standards in the UK, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and oil and gas. It develops and designs chemical manufacturing processes by applying chemistry and physics principles to design types of equipment. This is also one of the best paid engineering jobs UK. Engineering positions currently have the highest average salaries compared to other fields in the UK due to the demand for skilled professionals, especially in tech, renewable energy, and construction. In fact, many top Harvard University graduates, like Barack Obama and Mark Zuckerberg, graduated with engineering backgrounds prior to their meteoric career rises.
11. Nuclear Engineering
Average salary: £40,000 to £80,000 per year
Professions: Reactor engineers, radiation protection specialists, nuclear safety engineers, and nuclear physicists
Top Companies: EDF Energy, Sellafield Ltd, Rolls-Royce, National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL)
Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College London, University of Manchester, University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, and University of Oxford
Skills required: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Modeling and Simulation
Nuclear engineering is among the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK. With the country's commitment to nuclear energy, professionals in this field are in high demand. Their expertise in designing, operating, and maintaining nuclear power plants ensures a stable energy supply. The complexity and responsibility of the work command lucrative salaries, making it an attractive career path for engineers.
12. Academic Engineering
Average salary: £40,000 to £70,000 per year
Professions: professors, researchers, consultants, or project managers
Top Companies: Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University College London
Best Universities in the UK Offering This Course: Imperial College London, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University College London
Skills required: Research Skills, critical thinking, communication skills, Teaching and Mentoring
In the UK, Academic Engineering emerges as one of the highest paid engineering jobs in the UK. Bridging the realms of research and education, academic engineers delve into innovative projects while imparting knowledge to future generations. With a blend of technical prowess and scholarly pursuits, they develop breakthroughs in diverse sectors, from sustainable infrastructure to cutting-edge technologies. In this realm where intellect meets industry, academic engineers command impressive salaries, reflecting the pivotal role they play in shaping both the present and future of engineering in the UK.
Highest Paying Engineering Companies UK
Numerous highest paid engineering jobs in the UK that have existed for centuries can be found in London. Engineers in the capital city of the United Kingdom offer a wide choice of exciting employment options, whether you're an environmental engineer looking to decrease a client's carbon footprint or a civil engineer interested in rebuilding public transport systems. Here is a summary of some of London's highest paying engineering companies in UK.
1. Arup (Highest salary - £87,962 per year)/
2. BAE Systems(Highest salary - £149,760 per year)
3. Babcock International ( Highest salary - £219,012 per year)
4. Arcadis ( Highest salary - £568,599 per year)
5. Thales ( Highest salary - £125,000 per year)
These were the top 12 highest paid engineering jobs in the UK. You can take a look at some other branches of engineering that have a moderate to high payroll. Now that you know that you can be exposed to an extensive job market and can apply for the highest paid engineering jobs UK, the few best engineering universities in the UK where you can learn and apply for placements after completion of your degree shouldn't go untouched. Pack your bags and fly away to the country of serene beauty! All the best